ARTIFICIAL BLOOD: AN ACCOUNT OF HBOC AND PFC APPROACHES

Abstract

In the field of medicine, artificial blood is an innovative concept, where specially designed compounds are developed to perform the task of transport and delivery of oxygen. Hence, it can potentially replace the function of allogenic human blood transfusion. Several molecules have been developed using several approaches. However, with continuous refinements in the past few decades, the ideal blood substitute would likely be Hemoglobin Based Oxygen Carrier. The benefits of HBOCs are tremendous, as they do not require compatibility testing or tissue matching, are non-pathogenic, have a long shelf life, and can even be stored at room temperature. The advent of artificial blood is projected to have a remarkable impact on medical care in the future. While it will complement blood transfusion safely, it will also create a stable supply of effective products. It is likely to reduce the requirements of blood transfusions drastically in settings of surgery, trauma, or warfare.